Sponsored by the Government Relations Committee

This is a virtual workshop only.

Registration opens soon  | Registration Deadline: 6/5/24

Registration Fees:  Member $75* | Non-member $150

*Individual members or staff of OLC institutional member libraries. 

Workshop Overview:

Is your library considering going on the local ballot with a new levy, renewing an existing levy, or possibly modifying a levy that’s been in place for some time? This  program will provide the information you need as you prepare for your ballot initiative, including:

• the latest levy FAQ from the Auditor of State’s Office
• determining the need and public support for your library levy;
• legal process for placing the issue on the ballot;
• developing the campaign message;
• running the mechanics of a library campaign;
• connecting with the media and developing message strategies; and
• coordinating a lawful campaign

The format of this workshop will address each of these six points and allow time to answer questions.

Intended Audience: Directors, trustees, public relations staff, and other staff who will be involved in the library’s levy education effort.

What’s Included: All handouts, provided by presenters, will be available online through the OLC app. Print them prior to the workshop, view them from your personal device during the event or view/download them after the event. The handouts and a recording of the workshop will be available for 30 days following the program. Attendees will also receive a free digital copy of the OLC publication, Ballot Issues Handbook  – Campaigns 101: The Nuts and Bolts.

NOTE: Workshop invitation and access information will be sent via email. Please check that your correct email address is listed in your my OLC profile page.

Continuing Education Credits: For those working toward their Ohio Public Librarian or Ohio Public Library Staff re-certification, this workshop counts as four (4) contact hours of credit.

Ohio Public Library Core Competencies addressed in this workshop: Fundraising and Strategic Planning

Tentative Agenda: 

9:45 a.m. | Join Zoom Classroom
The link will be emailed to you prior to the workshop. Please check that your correct email address is listed in your my OLC profile page.

10 a.m. | Levies – The Basics
Jay Smith, Director of Government and Legal Services, OLC

11 a.m. | Break

11:15 a.m. | How We Did It!
Cheryl Kuonen, Executive Director, Mentor Public Library

12:30 p.m. | Lunch

1 p.m. | Nuts & Bolts of a Successful Levy
Galen Schuerlein, Of Counsel / Director of Public Affairs, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

2 p.m. | Adjourn